Chapter 2
The butler’s words set off a firestorm among the paparazzi.
They erupted with chatter, their voices overlapping in a chaotic symphony of gossip:
“Mr. Harrington? So even if Jessica’s back, Nadia’s position is still secure?”
“Exactly! Coming back to a rich family doesn’t mean anything. She’s still treated like an outsider!”
Right then, my phone started buzzing violently.
Megan’s sharp voice nearly made me drop it.
“Jessica! For the love of God, get back here now! Forget this reunion–it’s not worth it!”
“That live stream is going viral! Everyone’s saying you’re being ungrateful!”
“Do you have any idea how much money the Harringtons have invested in our company? You’re killing me here!”
Her panicked rant made me chuckle.
“Relax, Megan. Just sit back and watch the show. I’ve got this.”
Her voice cracked as if she was on the verge of tears.
“Jessica, listen to me! Ethan Harrington–he’s the heir to the family empire, and he’s infamous for being overprotective of Nadia.”
“You’ve crossed the line! If he gets involved, they’ll pull their investments, and you’ll be the first one the company
puts on ice!”
Suddenly, there was commotion on her end, and Megan shrieked.
“Oh no! I’ve gotta go! I just got a text from Harrington Group’s business team! Please, for the love of God, come back!”
“Put me on ice?”
I couldn’t help but laugh.
Did she forget my adoptive mother is Sophia, a three–time Academy Award–winning actress?
I’ve kept that under wraps because I didn’t want people accusing me of using connections to get ahead.
But the Harringtons?
They think they can silence me? Not a chance.
Nadia, noticing I’d ended the call, leaned in close and sneered, her voice dripping with condescension.
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Reborn, My Family Tried to Bury Me, So I Burned It All Down!
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Looks like big brother is already making his move. If I were you, I’d learn to behave. Blood ties or not, with that attitude, you’ll never set foot in the Harrington estate again.”
Just as she finished, the screech of tires echoed through the driveway.
A flashy red ts car pulled up, spinning to a stop in front of the mansion.
Out stepped Ethan Harrington, the family’s infamous heir, his expression icy as ever.
Nadia’s demeanor changed in an instant.
She practically skipped over to him, grabbing his arm with a pitiful look on her face.
“Big brother… you’re finally here…”
Ethan ignored her and walked straight toward me, his eyes scanning me from head to toe. “You’re Jessica?”
The paparazzi froze, their cameras trained on us, and I could practically feel their excitement at the unfolding drama.
“Mr. Harrington! Jessica’s one of the hottest stars right now! She’s your long–lost sister–how does it feel to finally meet her?”
Ethan let out a derisive snort.
“Sure, Jessica has some family connection. But Nadia’s been part of this family for years. She’ll always be my sister.”
“And let’s not forget–Nadia’s older by a few months.”
“Coming back on your first day and treating her this way? Guess that says a lot about how you were raised.”
Before I could respond, my phone buzzed again.
It was my mom.
The ringtone told me she was furious.
I ignored it for now, keeping my gaze fixed on Ethan, who continued his tirade.
“I don’t care what kind of star you are. The Harringtons aren’t a stage for your drama. If you think you can cause trouble here, don’t expect me to hold back.”
The paparazzi murmured among themselves, their cameras zooming in, clearly waiting for my reaction.
I turned to face the cameras, a wry smile on my lips.
“This is live, right? Everyone’s watching? Good. Let’s make sure the truth is out there. Who’s the one trying to rip my clothes off?”
“And yet somehow, I’m the one being accused of causing trouble?”
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Reborn, My Family Tried to Bury Me, So I Burned It All Down!
“And let’s not forget–you already pulled your funding from my project earlier. What’s with the sudden act of
concern?”
“Funny how the Harringtons have such a talent for twisting the truth.”
As soon as I i hed, the live stream exploded. Comments flooded in, overwhelmingly on my side.
I didn’t even need to read them to know public opinion had shifted.
Nadia’s face froze, and then she quickly plastered on a sweet, innocent smile.
“That’s not what my brother meant,” she said softly.
“He just doesn’t like seeing me upset. He’s always been protective of me, that’s all.”
She paused, her voice turning saccharine.
“The Harringtons are the wealthiest family in San Francisco. What’s one more mouth to feed? Jessica probably just misunderstood today’s situation.”
Her eyes misted over as she continued.
“She didn’t have much education and started working young. I guess it makes sense that she’d assume the worst of people.”
let out a cold laugh and raised my hand like I was about to slap her.
She flinched, shutting her eyes and shrinking back.
But I simply dropped my hand and smirked.
“Do you even know who the first person to ask for a DNA test was?”
“Well, let me tell you–whether the Harringtons accept me or not, that’s not for some adopted daughter to decide.”
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